People with albinism are a rare sight in the entertainment industry, though they certainly exist and warrant equitable treatment alongside their peers.
Among these remarkable individuals is Tebatso Mashishi, renowned for his portrayal of Kgosi on Muvhango.
Hailing from Limpopo, Mashishi graduated from the Drama/Film Department at Tshwane University of Technology in 2016 with a B technology degree.
Presently, he captivates audiences with his performance as Kgosi in Muvhango and has also left a lasting impression with his role in the acclaimed film Matwetwe, released in 2017.
Mashishi’s exceptional talent has propelled him to the forefront of the industry, garnering admiration for his acting prowess.
Beyond his professional achievements, he takes joy in fatherhood, cherishing moments shared with his daughter, who bears a striking resemblance to him.
Reflecting on Albinism awareness month, Mashishi voices his discontent with the term “Albino,” emphasizing its reduction of individuals to a mere condition.
“Albino means white and ‘ism’ goes for the condition, so for the mere fact that we are identified as a condition, then that’s the label I get. It also means a lot more can be done with awareness.”
He advocates for heightened awareness, noting the societal taboos and lack of information surrounding albinism during his upbringing.
Facing challenges in his local community, he eventually sought education among peers who shared his condition and vision impairment.
“We don’t see very well. You can imagine people in the rural areas with this condition.”
“I had to go a school with blind people and people of the same condition because the primary school sako gae did not understand”
Witnessing his representation on the big screen evoked profound emotions for Mashishi, reinforcing his belief in overcoming adversity and defying societal expectations.